Ketjen Corporation, a leader in catalyst and specialty chemicals innovation based in Houston, US, and Saudi Aramco Technologies Company (SATC), a subsidiary of Aramco, have entered into a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to co-develop, test, and deploy next-generation Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalysts and additives. 

The collaboration is designed to help elevate the performance of Aramco’s refineries and affiliates by potentially optimizing product yields and reducing environmental impact.

This agreement brings together the technical expertise, research capabilities, and innovative ecosystems of both organizations. Through close collaboration, SATC and Ketjen will aim to help accelerate the development of proprietary FCC catalysts and additives. 

These advancements are expected to support enhancing refinery performance by increasing yield of high-value products such as gasoline and propylene, while helping to lower the environmental footprint of Aramco’s refining operations.

This strategic collaboration aims to combine Aramco’s decades of innovation in refining catalysts with Ketjen’s recognized expertise in FCC catalyst development, manufacturing excellence, and technical depth. 

By aligning Aramco’s operational insights with Ketjen’s cutting-edge R&D capabilities, the collaboration is expected to deliver precision-engineered solutions that enhance refinery performance, optimize resource utilization, and advance Aramco’s goals. Together, Ketjen and Aramco aim to set the stage for industry-defining advancements in efficiency, yield optimization, and environmental stewardship.

Bob Leliveld, Chief Technology Officer at Ketjen, said: "With decades of proven expertise in FCC catalyst innovation, Ketjen is proud to collaborate with a global energy leader like Aramco. This collaboration is expected to support the development of next-generation catalyst solutions, aligning with Aramco’s global operational strategies and setting a new standard for efficiency and performance across the industry."

Faisal Al Otaibi, the Director of Aramco’s Research and Development Center, said: "By co-developing next-generation catalysts and FCC solutions with Ketjen, we are not only optimizing processes but also setting a new benchmark for the industry. This partnership is expected to accelerate our ability to unlock molecular-level efficiency, reduce emissions, and convert raw materials into higher-value products. Our collaboration with Ketjen reflects our ongoing focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence."

Through this joint initiative, both companies reaffirm their efforts to help advance the refining industry. The JDA reflects a shared vision to potentially deliver cutting-edge technologies that help meet the evolving demands of the energy sector and address global market challenges.-TradeArabia News Service